Gila National Forest – Black Range Complex Fires Update – 7/14/2016

Beaverhead, NM, – Wednesday, July 14, 2016 – The Black Range Complex Fires on the Black Ranger Range District consist of two fires: the Kline Fire and the Cooney Fire. These lightning-caused fires started on Friday, July 8, and are located in the Black Range Mountains, 65 miles northwest of Truth Consequences, NM.

The Cooney Fire is located near Cooney Prairie (T10S, R14W, Sec 13), is approximately 2,300 acres burning with low to moderate effects in pine, oak and grass. The Kline Fire is located near Kline Mountain (T10S, R10W, Sec 14), is approximately 55 acres burning in ponderosa pine and piñon–juniper.

Today, fire crews will continue to monitor low to moderate fire behavior on the Cooney Fire. The fire was moving south toward Wolf Hollow and State Route 59. The Kline fire continues to slowly back down the northwest perimeter of the fire line. As both the Cooney Fire and Kline Fires burn, predetermined management areas are being designated to manage these fires within those boundaries. There are currently 90 fire personnel assigned to the Black Range Complex Fires.

Fire behavior and effects are being assessed to insure incident objectives are being met. These objectives include reducing hazardous fuels, maintain and returning fire to a fire-adaptive ecosystem, increasing firefighter and public safety, and protecting cultural resources and wildlife habitat.

The extended weather forecast for the Black Range Complex Fires calls for a continued warming and drying trend, along with breezy and gusty afternoon and evening winds, continuing through the weekend. Smoke is visible from Wolf Hollow Campground. Campers can expect drifting smoke and haze from the Cooney Fire. Smoke-sensitive individuals and people with respiratory problems are encouraged to take precautionary measures. Information on air quality and protecting your health can be found online at the New Mexico Department of Health website at: https://nmtracking.org/fire.

At this time there are no road advisories or closures in place. There are no trail system closures within the Black Range Complex Fire perimeter.